MONROE — Washington’s Department of Corrections remembered slain officer Jayme Biendl on the first anniversary of her death Sunday.
Biendl was allegedly strangled by inmate Byron Scherf in the chapel of the correctional complex in Monroe on Jan. 29, 2011.
Corrections staff, family and others took part in a 5K run, a candlelight vigil and a statewide moment of silence to remember her.
Organizers said about 500 people participated, raising more than $15,000 for the Behind the Badge foundation.
Three of Biendl’s coworkers were fired for failing to secure the chapel, being outside their assigned zones the night of her death, or making false statements related to the case. Since the slaying, the prison says it has increased training, changed staffing and improved how inmates are classified.
A year after Biendl’s death, several of her family members were ready to share their memories. Click here to read Sunday’s special report on the woman they lost.
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